Recently I was corresponding with an online associate
who was debating various used boats that seemed to suit he and his
wife. When he asked for advice immediately I knew which I would
chose, and told him why. When you're looking at two identical boats,
the one that's been lived aboard and called home is often the better choice over the
lightly used dock queen. You too may wonder why that's so.

Boats are different from cars. In
an automobile, the one that's been parked is generally the better
option. Less miles means less wear and tear on the vehicle.
But boats are different. You want the boat that's taken a trek or
two around the waterways.

The simple reason is that an owner
who lives aboard longer term will make many changes. Not all will be
to your liking, but many you'll "figure out down the way" are a good
idea. Aboard Seaweed, I have eight cigarette outlets. Yes, one 23'
boat has lots more than many boats twice as large -- and eventually
I'll have two more.

The where and why:

Cigarette outlets onboard
Seaweed

Where:

Why:

In my cabin by the VHF radio
(double unit)

To charge my cell phone or
Kindle; also the electric (12-volt) blanket or my GPS in
stormy weather.

Side Note on my GPS:
Yes, it's a hand-held unit, specifically the Garmin76.
You can buy for about $16 (Amazon) an
adapter so it will run
from your 12-volt system.
I use the adapter rather than two AA batteries. That's easier
for me.

Next to be installed: a
double unit on the port side for the computer.
I'm also considering an A/C plug for the Christmas tree lights

In front of the galley sink

To power the 12-volt DVD
player.

Aft port side, corner
(double)

My computer, and the
hand-held VHF radio and charger

I've considered adding one
in the cockpit because it would be tidier than running a cord
out
the aft dinette window for power to a light out there.
When I anchored in the crook of a river
(the best spot) I hung a portable anchor light on the dinghy
davit to illuminate dink.

Port side, forward dinette
seat

Because I sit there and it's
handy. Powers the portable 12-volt fan most often.

It is more than likely that I could manage without
the plethora I've got at present, however I rather prefer a life of
convenience and comfort. They have been accumulated/installed over
the six years I've owned Seaweed. None came with the boat and all
are in use if not daily, at least once per week.

Sure, I could have installed
fewer, but this is home and I want her comfortable. I'm assuming in
your home you've got all the enhancements by your favorite chair?
There will be a side table, a lamp, a place for the television
zapper/flipper, your cup, a plate of snacks, perhaps a few
magazines, a book or three, and maybe a kit to tie some flies for
your next fishing expedition.

In other words, you're
comfortable and have everything within reach. I do too, and my
view is outstanding. Plus, if I wish to see new scenery I can
start the engine, raise the anchor and be underway in less than 15
minutes. Life does not get much better!

Boats become homes -- at least
ones that are lived aboard long term. In the six years I've
owned Seaweed, I've made a few changes/alterations. Some cost
nothing but time, and others, well, others were $$$. But none
of these items came with the model initially and all add to my life
and happiness quotient.

In the
first six years aboard Seaweed, I have:

opened an area under the reefer for access to store
canned goods

opened the area under the silverware drawer for
better access and added a shelf there to make more of the space usable

added a dinghy davit (one large 3-Musketeers candy
bar;
my friend Dale welded it for me and the davit was a road kill find,
i.e. by the side of the road in a pile of junk. The stainless caught
my eye.)

added two anchors, both adequate to hold the boat in
a blow (got rid of the 13 pound toy anchor that came with Seaweed on
45' of 3-strand) ($600)

added lifelines

added numerous fans (Hella, at $22 each)

swapped out most light fixtures for LED (less power
draw)

added a new LED anchor light, new running lights,
also LED ($300, give or take)

screened all windows and doorways ($15, made them
myself from an old army screen tent)

added voltage meters so checking battery status is
easy ($15)

added temperature gauges for both inside boat and in
the reefer so I can make sure it's keeping stuff cool at a glance
($25)

added hand grips/grab rails every
place I reached and wanted one -- if you reach for a place
and don't have something to hang onto, create it. That's
where it's needed.

There's more, but most of those things would not have
been done by a weekend owner. They would not have been
necessary.

In my view given a
choice of two boats I'd opt for the one that's been a home.

She will (definitely will!) have
some things you're not thrilled with, and possibly some items won't
be as you'd have done them, but you will benefit nonetheless.

The other weekend (Kentucky Derby
weekend) I was speaking with my friend Lynn and she mentioned her
Southern Cross. Lynn said that sailboat was essentially free. How so
you may ask? Well, the number of spare parts and improvements
to that boat amounted to more than the purchase price. And Southern
Cross boats are nice -- very!!

[That particular Southern Cross was lost on
a reef off Australia. Lynn's new boat, In Anneoin, is steel.]

So do go ahead and have fun boat
shopping. Shiny is good, but look -- really look, at what the boat
has to offer for you today and don't ever expect her to be perfect.
Count on making her your own by improving what's there, but not
today.

First use your
new-to-you boat for a bit before dumping big bucks into her.

The things you think critical
might not be after you've used her for a bit. Make the boat
yours after you've used her for a while and know, really know, what
is critical to your happiness quotient. That's your To Do
List.

As for me, given a choice I'd
definitely pick the boat that had been a home.

Have fun, and happy boating.

I'd love to hear what your first boat projects were.
And, are you enjoying life in a marina or living life on anchor?